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Benares - West Side Reviews List
Benares - West Side
At Benares, we offer a selection of traditional and regional Indian cuisines that are carefully prepared and presented by our experienced chefs.
See more Benares - West Side details
96 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 96 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(42)
3 stars
(18)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(45)
- fit for foodies(39)
- good for groups(28)
- great for lunch(23)
- romantic(21)
- special occasion(19)
Benares - West Side Reviews List
Review 1 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best meal we had in NYC
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful, authentic Indian food, incredibly attentive wait staff, I'm still thinking about the flavours days later."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very solid food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food all-around. We especially enjoyed the tandoori salmon appetizer and the crab curry."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 3 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Indian Food near Carnegie Hall
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to this restaurant after an event at Carnegie Hall. It is a short walk from CH and offers excellent Indian food. We eat Indian quite often and thoroughly enjoyed everything we were served. The service was also wonderful, attentive but not hovering."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Indian Lunch Buffett
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food wa excellent at the mid-town location. Great place for quick lunch mid-town though buffet tempting enough to stay a while and have a second plate."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 5 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benares brings India to NYC!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"At Bernares, you will experience what makes Indian food one of the most transcendent of cuisines: spices of curry, ginger and cumin mixed together with coconut creams, mangos, tomatoes and chutneys, served with the most fabulous dishes. We ate the Lamb Chops that were perfectly grilled, the Tawa Scallops and the Goldhar Dhingri (Lobster). They will absolutely transform your senses! Do try their variety of Naan breads with the Cucumber Raita and for dessert: the Gullab Jamun with honey! With the General Manager's standard of excellence on hospitality, you will enjoy a remarkable dining at it's best!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A terrific find 2 blocks from Carnegie Hall. Specializing in Northern Indian dishes, the portions are more than ample, the plating exotic and the spicing spot on. Try the Aloo Chat app and the tandoor shrimp main and you won't be hungry until breakfast."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great Before Theatre Option
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great discovery before the theatre...food was delicious and plentiful...very close to City Center"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gréât flood!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We aéré totally satisfied with thé server's suggestion and had thé mots délicious meal"
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant has a perfect location for our visits to Carnegie Hall. Moreover, the cuisine is to our taste, and the service fine.
In fact, I'm asking my children to take me there for Mother's Day!"
In fact, I'm asking my children to take me there for Mother's Day!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Benares was recommended by
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Benares was recommended by a local when we told her we were looking for Indian food and it did not dissapoint. It is within walking distance to the Theater district and the service was very timely - we had time to enjoy our meal and arrive in time for our show. The food was very authentic and well prepared. The samosas were the best we have ever had. We also thought it was reasonably priced for a NYC restaurant. We can't wait for our next trip back! Thank you."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food with the right
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome food with the right level of spice! I'll be back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Indian food, better than
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best Indian food, better than the average Indian Restaurants in NYC. Large portion of refined Indian cuisine, great atmosphere and fabulous service, they even offered to keep the "doggie bag" after I returned from the theater."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
excellent food and prompt
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"excellent food and prompt service. Nice Decor. Friendly."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Value
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We started with the Mankyo Tala (Calamari) which was cooked nicely, but a little more chutney would have been appreciated. The Rogan Josh was excellent with lean pieces of lamb and the Chicken Vindaloo had the requisite spiciness. The portions were generous. Service was prompt but not pushy. A very good value for NYC."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointing , expected better
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The lamb was so disappointing - dry and hard. Scallops barely had a good sear on them and felt chewy. The shrimp appetizer was the best of them all. Service was not great either- the bread came after half of our appetizers were eaten and the 2nd basket we asked for never arrived."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
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Review 16 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good Food in Easy Atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our party of 3 ordered 3 appetizers and 3 entrees.... WAY too much food! Enjoyed tasty Samosas and Bhel Puri which would have been enough. Also ordered Chicken Tikka which was flavorful. The best entree was Malai Kofta which had delicate and complex flavor. We also had Malwani Fish Curry very good and Kohzi Varutha Curry which was average. NO room for desserts. The place was only half full when early (6pm) and we enjoyed friendly and expert service. Would recommend to everyone!!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Delicious food wrapped in an OK dec
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely delicious, rich, layered flavors and generous portions. This is not your usual greasy Indian! Fresh ingredients. They have done a pretty good job of trying to gussy up what is a pretty awful physical plant--by adding nice furniture, nice upholstery, lighting, and very nice "branding" on menus, cards, etc. The entrance is still a bit odd and the front of the restaurant is not inviting. Never mind all that. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this wonderful food."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2009
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Review 18 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Came here with my 8 year old
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Came here with my 8 year old on a special outing. The staff was very friendly and attentive, but maintained great atmosphere."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 19 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful meal at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful meal at Benares just before going to the Met. The food was all fresh, delightfully spiced, and made from top quality ingredients. We have eaten in Indian restaurants all over the world, including India, and this is one of the best. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 20 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious, upscale
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was delicious, upscale Indian with no pretention. Welcoming and cordial staff. We had a nice dinner, beautifully presented, and a complimentary dessert. Great place to go before theatre."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Stellar Indian Cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Stumbled into this spot for a celebratory lunch and was greated by warm and helpful staff. My party elected for the daily hot lunch buffet that was outstanding in quality and amount of choices (meat and veg). Value was spectacular and the buffet items change daily for variety. Will definitely be going back and highly recommend Midtowners to skip any Indian food bar at Whole Foods @ Columbus Circle and try Benares!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant is on the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant is on the site of the former Baluchi's. It's now clean, beautifully
decorated with framed silk textiles and has a magnificent chandelier. We enjoyed excellent, authentic Indian food and our waiter was knowledgeable and personable."
decorated with framed silk textiles and has a magnificent chandelier. We enjoyed excellent, authentic Indian food and our waiter was knowledgeable and personable."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Each dish was perfectly prepared
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Each dish was perfectly prepared and truly delicious. Be wary of the spicing--- it gets a bit hot, so be sure to speak with your server about your preferences. Service was great and the ambiance lends itself to great conversation with little interruption."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spicy Indian food, delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great spicy Indian food, delicious cocktails all served with a smile and a courteous manner! Will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2008
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Review 25 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great value
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent quality for money .... lunch menu has great choise of curries (lamb / chicken / shrimp) and you can eat as much as you can! Managed 3 plates myself!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food and the service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and the service were great! Definitely a find! Will come back and bring friends and family :)"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A solid choice for dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A solid choice for dinner in midtown, where you're stuck with either overpriced pubs or overpriced swanky business steakhouses. Food was excellent, cocktails were a plus, and the menu is large. Service was patient and helpful."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great choice before show at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great choice before show at Carnegie Hall."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2003
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Review 29 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Indian Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great meal pre-Carnegie Hall. Good value, delicious Indian dishes, good-sized portions to share. Recommended."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2003
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Review 30 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Obviously ... fit for 'Indian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Obviously ... fit for 'Indian food' foodies! It was delicious. I will definitely go back again. Wait staff and host very nice."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good, good table
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good, good table and ambience for our group of 12."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 32 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and gracious service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food and gracious service, a short walk from theaters and Carnegie Hall."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 33 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing service and delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Amazing service and delicious food! Highly recommended!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 34 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Carnegie Hall dining option
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great dinner experience near Carnegie Hall. The food here is simply vibrant with flavors; there is an abundance of items to select that you don't find elsewhere; the presentation of the food is excellent. The servers are helpful and attentive, while not overly intrusive. We're repeat visitors."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 35 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Food and Great Service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our go to Indian restaurant in our local area. The food and service never fails to disappoint! Interesting menu options and they are always happy to add more spice to their dishes upon request."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Forget the tea
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was quite good but too heavy on the fat (as Indian food often is). Big disappointment was being served a Lipton tea bag for dessert tea (and then being charged $4 for it)."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2003
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Review 37 for Benares - West Side
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very good Indian restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very good Indian restaurant with unusual a(not run of the mill) Indian cuisine. Service was good and ambiance was pleasant. We will return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Benares - West Side
Based on the average of (59) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
7 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate